• Respect of her peers • Competence • Minimizes Client Fees • Highest Ethical Standards • Professional Network Traci Pickering represented me in the most challenging case of her career. The case took nearly four years to complete due to the complexity of the issues and the antics and tactics of the first opposing counsel. Over this time period, I came to know the breadth and depth of Traci’s expertise in family law, her character and how she performs under extremely adverse conditions. 1. Peer Respect: Following the recommendation in the ‘Divorce Handbook for California’ – by Judge James Stewart, a former Santa Clara family law judge, I interviewed many different law firms before selecting one for representation. Of the nine interviewed, several of those firms were not a good match for the complexities of my case but they suggested Traci Pickering of Mello & Pickering. It was readily apparent Traci had the respect of her peers and I found their respect for her to be certainly justified. She is the finest family law attorney in Santa Clara County. 2. Competence: During the initial interview process, Traci was one of only two of the attorneys I interviewed that readily grasped the complexities of this case. Throughout the nearly four years it took to complete the divorce proceedings, she repeatedly demonstrated she readily understood the law, the legal /financial implications of various situations and could thus advise on the best course of action. She was always well prepared for all the court proceedings and consultations. 3. Minimizes Client Fees: On many occasions, Traci advised me on ways to reduce or limit the amount of legal fees and billable hours I would incur. Even though Traci and her firm, Mello & Pickering, would make less money, she put the interests of the client first. Her thoughtfulness towards controlling costs and expenses was deeply appreciated. 4. Highest Ethical Standards: At least twice during my case, Traci demonstrated an extraordinary adherence to the highest ethical standards. a. In one instance, she put herself at risk of receiving sanctions from the court to counter the misbehavior of the opposing counsel. But she chose to put the interests of the integrity of the legal system and the interest of her client ahead of her own interests. I do not think most other attorneys would have done the same in that situation. b. In another instance, she chose the moral high ground in an extremely difficult situation even though such a course of action would be detrimental to her own revenue stream. She did it because it was the right thing to do. Such demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical standards provides the client comfort in knowing that Traci will always act in their best interests. She puts the client first. 5. Professional Network: For clients, the advantage of Traci’s reputation for integrity, competence and the respect of her peers is to provide access to the best forensic accounts, occupational specialists, mediators and other experts when needed during a case. The very best professionals are willing to work with Traci. This is a critical but rarely appreciated consideration when consumers are seeking representation because most consumers have not had any previous experience with the legal system and do not understand the importance of these functions in a family law case. To achieve the most favorable outcome requires a team working on behalf of the client’s interest; the family law attorney organizes and orchestrates the team. Traci has fostered the relationships to allow her to create the best team for each case. This includes the outside experts but also includes the excellent Mello & Pickering internal staff, Janelle and Franchesca. If an attorney is needed for a family law case, retain Traci Pickering. She has the expertise, the highest ethical standards, the respect of her peers and she cares deeply about her client

Ms Pickering and Ms Colon were amazing throughout my entire divorce process. They answered every question thoroughly, always explained my options and had the understanding that this was a difficult and emotional time. The support Mello & Pickering gave me the year and a half I worked with them was amazing. I will always be appreciative of Ms Pickering and Ms Colon.